Hi any feedback from owners or drivers of the Fabia 1.4 TDI 80 ps would be appreciative,running costs ,positive or negative comments.Thinking of buying one could any one advice.Many thanks for comments regards Geoff

I had a fabia 1.4 TDI as a loan car when mine was in for some warranty work yesterday. When i started it from cold at the garage it sounded horrible, when on the move and warmed up it sounded very diesel harsh even compared to the 1.9 PD units.

It was obviuosly slower and less gutsy than the 1.9 but seemed keen to rev in comparison and went really well when warm with plenty of pull in all gears.

As for MPG around the grid system of Milton Keynes i found there was minimal difference between my VRS and the 1.4 TDI according to the computer. Both averaged 45MPG with normal accelerate braking driving. I think this is where the extra torque and 6 speed of the 1.9 helps

Matt

We have a 1.4TDi with 75 bhp, (older model) and also a 1.4 16v (100bhp) petrol. The TDi accelerates better in gear (50-70 mph) than the petrol and also pulls better at motorway speeds. It certainly feels more powerful than it should too.

The engine note you will either love or hate, being a 3 cylinder. I personally like it as it sounds a bit like a V6.

The later 80 bhp version which you are thinking about also only costs about £35 per year for road tax.

I have a TDi 80 which replaced a TDi 100 after six years of near perfect ownership, I've now done about 8k in the 80 and would comment as follows:

1. Road Tax is cheaper!

2. The 80 is noisier and a bit rougher on idle

3. Not as powerful (though thats to be expected!!) - though could be very easily tuned up to 90/95bhp (same as the Audi A2) which would make them level pegging as its lighter than the 1.9

4. Fuel economy is about 5/10% better dependant on how its driven

5. Its not got as smoother power delivery as the 100 - though again a tune may help

6. Running costs should be similar as regards consumables and servicing

So, is it worth it?

Mmm, difficult one, I enjoy the slightly lower running costs but miss the extra poke (my 80 is standard) - tbh I can't make up my mind at the moment!

Two things will swing things one way or the other:

1. How it performs in my annual trip across Europe at high speed later in the year, and

2. Whether the Gov continue to give the tax breaks to Band B and under and start to load the higher ones even more - though the 1.9 is only band C!